Covered Highway System

ABSTRACT

A covered highway system is disclosed. The system includes a highway; an elongated cover, open at both ends, positioned over the length of the highway such that vehicles pass underneath the cover when the vehicles drive on the highway; the cover is impermeable to rain and to snow and the cover is capable of blocking the wind. Optional elements include ventilation, channels of communication, rest areas, and underpasses.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY OF EARLIER FILED APPLICATION(S)

None.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO EARLIER FILED APPLICATION(S)

None.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of systems public and/or private roads and/or highways.

i. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The National Highway System is a network of strategic highways within the United States, including the Interstate Highway System, and it currently is the largest highway system in the world. It connects cities, towns, ports, roads, airports, and other strategic transport facilities. Until now, and with the limited exception of a few covered bridges, it does not appear that any serious consideration has been given to the possibility of constructing a covered highway system. This is unfortunate, because in 2012 an estimated 2.36 million people were injured, and 33,561 people died, in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States. With a covered highway system, there would be reduced traffic injuries and deaths. There would be no more accidents, delays, or highway closures due to snow, rain, or wind. Because a significant amount of highway wear and tear is due to weather and weather-related practices, such as salting, sanding, and snowplowing, there would be vastly improved longevity of highways, together with greatly reduced vehicle maintenance costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a covered highway system consisting of an elongated cover, open at both ends, positioned over the length of the highway, such that the vehicles driving on the highway pass underneath the elongated cover when the vehicles drive on the highway. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the elongated cover is made of a material that is partially transparent to light, is impermeable to rain and to snow, is capable of blocking the wind, and is shaped as an arch, extending above the highway, thereby allowing rain, snow, or hail to slide off of the elongated cover. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, solar panels, vents, fans, lights, underpasses, cellular service transmittal devices, wireless internet service devices, cameras, cutouts, fences, drainage pipes, and rest stops all may be utilized in order to enhance the safety, comfort, and utility of the covered highway system.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

i. Reduced traffic deaths/injuries.

ii. Vehicles can travel faster, speed limits can be raised.

iii. No more accidents or delays or road closures due to snow, rain, wind.

iv. Improved vehicle efficiency, especially for trucks

v. Improved vehicle longevity, especially for trucks.

vi. Reduced vehicle maintenance costs.

vii. No need to salt the roads.

viii. No need to sand the roads.

ix. No need for snowplowing of highways.

x. Vastly improved longevity of the highway, as a significant amount of highway wear and tear is due to weather and weather-necessitated practices such as salting/sanding the road, snowplows, etc.

xi. No more accidents due to animals passing onto the highway.

xii. Reduced risk of pedestrians wandering onto the highway.

xiii. Better internet and cellular service on the highway.

xiv. Prevention of accidents/delays/closures due to avalanches and mudslides

xv. Convertible vehicles can comfortable ride with the top down even where there is bad weather.

xvi. Motorcycles may safely and comfortable use the highway in all seasons.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: FIG. 1 is substantially a top perspective of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2: FIG. 2 is substantially a top perspective detailing certain embodiments of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The following is a listing of the reference numbers included in the original drawings and the element that each reference number corresponds to and a brief description:

FIG. 1 1. A Highway

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the Highway 1 is a main public road upon which vehicles drive that connects cities and towns.

2. An Elongated Cover

The Elongated Cover 2 is an elongated cover, open at both ends, positioned over the length of the Highway 1, such that the vehicles driving on the Highway 1 pass underneath the Elongated Cover 2 when the vehicles drive on the Highway 1. The Elongated Cover 2 consists of the Interior Surface of the Cover 4 and the Exterior Surface of the Cover 5. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the Elongated Cover 2 is made of a material that is partially transparent to light, is impermeable to rain and to snow, is capable of blocking the wind, and is shaped as an arch, extending above the Highway 1, thereby allowing rain, snow, or hail to slide off of the Elongated Cover 2.

3. A Plurality of Solar Panels

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a Plurality of Solar Panels 3 may be housed on the Exterior Surface of the Cover 5. The Plurality of Solar Panels 3 may be used to power a Plurality of Fans 7, coupled to a Plurality of Vents 6, throughout the length of the Elongated Cover 2, thereby enhancing ventilation.

4. The Interior Surface of the Cover

The Interior Surface of the Cover 4 is comprised of the interior surface of the Elongated Cover 2. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the Interior Surface of the Cover 4 may be used to house a Plurality of Fans 7, a Plurality of Lights 8, a Plurality of Cellular Service Transmittal Devices 13, a Plurality of Wireless Internet Service Devices 14, and a Plurality of Cameras 16.

5. The Exterior Surface of the Cover

The Exterior Surface of the Cover 5 is comprised of the exterior surface of the Elongated Cover 2. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the Exterior Surface of the Cover 5 may be used to house a Plurality of Solar Panels 3 and a Plurality of Vents 6.

6. A Plurality of Vents

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a Plurality of Vents 6 may be housed on the Exterior Surface of the Cover 5, thereby improving ventilation throughout the Highway 1.

7. A Plurality of Fans

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a Plurality of Fans 6 may be housed in the Interior Surface of the Cover 4, thereby improving ventilation throughout the Highway 1.

8. A Plurality of Lights

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a Plurality of Lights 8 may be housed in the Interior Surface of the Cover 4, thereby improving lighting throughout the Highway 1.

11. A Plurality of Underpasses

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a Plurality of Underpasses 11 may be employed, located perpendicular to the Highway 1 throughout the system, in order to permit animals, pedestrians, and/or emergency vehicles to pass freely underneath the Highway 1.

13. A Plurality of Cellular Service Transmittal Devices

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a Plurality of Cellular Service Transmittal Devices 13 may be housed in the Interior Surface of the Cover 4, thereby improving cellular service throughout the Highway 1.

14. A Plurality of Wireless Internet Service Devices

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a Plurality of Wireless Internet Service Devices 14 may be housed in the Interior Surface of the Cover 4, thereby improving wireless internet service throughout the Highway 1.

15. An Elongated Pipe

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, an Elongated Pipe 15, open on top and covered by a grate, may be employed, running parallel to the Highway 1 and located underneath the Elongated Cover 2, thereby improving drainage for the Highway 1.

16. A Plurality of Cameras

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a Plurality of Cameras 16 may be housed in the Interior Surface of the Cover 4, thereby improving surveillance throughout the Highway 1.

FIG. 2 1. A Highway

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the Highway 1 is a main public road upon which vehicles drive that connects cities and towns.

2. An Elongated Cover

The Elongated Cover 2 is an elongated cover, open at both ends, positioned over the length of the Highway 1, such that the vehicles driving on the Highway 1 pass underneath the Elongated Cover 2 when the vehicles drive on the Highway 1. The Elongated Cover 2 consists of the Interior Surface of the Cover 4 and the Exterior Surface of the Cover 5. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the Elongated Cover 2 is made of a material that is partially transparent to light, is impermeable to rain and to snow, is capable of blocking the wind, and is shaped as an arch, extending above the Highway 1, thereby allowing rain, snow, or hail to slide off of the Elongated Cover 2.

4. The Interior Surface of the Cover

The Interior Surface of the Cover 4 is comprised of the interior surface of the Elongated Cover 2. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the Interior Surface of the Cover 4 may be used to house a Plurality of Fans 7, a Plurality of Lights 8, a Plurality of Cellular Service Transmittal Devices 13, a Plurality of Wireless Internet Service Devices 14, and a Plurality of Cameras 16.

5. The Exterior Surface of the Cover

The Exterior Surface of the Cover 5 is comprised of the exterior surface of the Elongated Cover 2. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the Exterior Surface of the Cover 5 may be used to house a Plurality of Solar Panels 3 and a Plurality of Vents 6.

9. A Plurality of Cutouts

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a Plurality of Cutouts 9 may be employed, perpendicular to, or at other angles to, the Highway 1, in order to provide off-ramps and on-ramps throughout the Highway 1.

10. A Fence

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a Fence 10, extending beyond each of the Plurality of Cutouts 9 for a distance of at least 200 meters, may be employed, parallel to, or at other angles to, the Highway 1, in order to improve the safety of the Highway 1.

12. One or More Rest Stops

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, One or More Rest Stops 12 may be located alongside, adjacent to, or near to the Highway 1, in order to improve the safety and convenience of the Highway 1.

Disclaimer

Although the present invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A highway system comprising: a. a highway; b. an elongated cover, open at both ends, positioned over the length of the highway such that vehicles pass underneath the cover when the vehicles drive on the highway; c. the cover is impermeable to rain and to snow and the cover is capable of blocking the wind.
 2. The highway system of claim 1, wherein the cover extends beyond a shoulder of the highway.
 3. The highway system as in claim 1, wherein the cover is made of a material that is partially transparent to light.
 4. The highway system of claim 1, wherein the cover is shaped as an arch extending above the highway thereby allowing rain, snow, or hail to slide off of the cover.
 5. The highway system of claim 1, wherein the cover has an interior surface and an exterior surface, further comprising a has a plurality of vents throughout the length of the cover.
 6. The highway system of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of solar panels on the exterior surface of the cover wherein the solar panels power a plurality of fans, the fans being coupled to the vents, thereby enhancing ventilation.
 7. The highway system of claim 1, wherein the cover has an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the system further comprises: a. a plurality of solar panels on the exterior surface of the cover; b. a plurality of lights on the interior surface of the cover, wherein the lights are powered by the solar panels.
 8. The highway system of claim 1, wherein the cover has an interior surface and an exterior surface, further comprising a plurality of cameras on the interior surface of the cover.
 9. The highway system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cutouts for off-ramps and on-ramps.
 10. The highway system of claim 9, further comprising a fence extending beyond each cutout for at least 200 meters, the fence being at least 2 meters high.
 11. The highways system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of underpasses throughout the system, the underpasses being perpendicular to the highway, thereby allowing animals, pedestrians, or emergency vehicles to freely pass underneath the highway.
 12. The highway system of claim 1, further comprising one or more rest stops wherein the rest stop is further contained underneath the cover.
 13. The highway system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cellular service transmittal devices throughout the system, thereby improving cellular service throughout the highway.
 14. The highway system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wireless internet service transmittal devices throughout the system, thereby improving wireless internet service throughout the highway.
 15. The highway system of claim 1, further comprising an elongated pipe running parallel to the highway and underneath the cover, wherein the elongated pipe is open on the top and the elongated pipe is covered by a grate. 